Whistles Interview
Amelia Graham-Mercuriali
After I designed the Black Friday window for Whistles, the invited me a long for an interview,
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK IN A FEW WORDS?
My signature look is graphic and geometric. I’m interested in the interaction of form and colour, as well as complex and simple forms playing together. I try to reference the art and architecture that inspires me without being wholly reverential to any particular oeuvre.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST REALISE YOU LOVED CREATING?
Growing up, I was surrounded by art and design. My mum was an amazing seamstress and my Dad is an architect. I used to watch him sketching elevations at breakfast, so it always made sense to me to pursue what you love as a career.
HAS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS EVOLVED WITH TIME, HOW?
After I graduated, I spent years designing prints for womenswear. About 5 years ago, I became more interested in interiors – from rugs to large scale art pieces. Eventually, I launched my own line of printed goods and found myself working across disciplines.
WHAT HAS INSPIRED YOU LATELY?
There’s a coterie of contemporary painters who I find exciting, including Senem Oezdogan, Santtu Mustonen and Gianluca Franzese.
FAVOURITE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS?
@1milliondiamonds for modern and contemporary art, @teklan because I love her amazing colour stories, @emilyforgot for her wonderful curated modernist design and @_martavidal for great architectural shots.
FAVOURITE INTERIOR MAGAZINES/BLOGS?
Architectural Review, the RIBA journal and Architectural Digest.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE WAY YOU DRESS?
I once described it as halfway between Paris and London, because I like classic pieces with a twist – an interesting detail or unexpected element.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU?
I would love to keep collaborating with other artists and designers, so I hope the commissions keep flowing.